Natasha’s Comments (group member since Sep 29, 2022)

Natasha’s comments from the The Lost Challenges group.

Finished

"Easy As 1, 2, 3" Monthly Challenge

Duration: October 1, 2019 - October 31, 2019

3/3 books

1. Jackaby (Jackaby #1) - William Ritter - 10/8/19
2. Pretties (Uglies #2) - Scott Westerfeld - 10/15/19
3. Specials (Uglies #3) - Scott Westerfield - 10/30/19

November 2019 Monthly - Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade

Duration: November 1-30, 2019

Level One: 2-5 tasks

0/4 tasks

TASKS
1. The parade was initially Christmas-themed
When the first parade was held on Thanksgiving Day in 1924, it was called the "Macy's Christmas Parade." The event was organized by a small group of Macy's employees, who dressed in costumes and marched from 145th Street and Convent Avenue to the company's Herald Square flagship. They were also professional entertainers to keep spectators amused. Beautiful floats showed the Old Lady Who Lived in a Shoe, Little Miss Muffet, and Red Riding Hood. There were also bears, elephants, donkeys, and bands, making the procession resemble a circus parade. (The animals came from the Central Park Zoo.)
Read a book with a fairy tale character, bear, elephant, donkey, or parade in the story or a book with a close-knit group of coworkers.

2. The character balloons were inspired by a float and debuted in 1927.
Three years after the first parade, balloons made their debut. The Balloonatics float—which, as the name suggests, was festooned with balloons—inspired the creation of the character balloons. These days, the people who design the balloons are called “Balloonatics.”
Read a book with a title beginning with a letter in BALLOON (excluding article) or a book with a character who is a designer.

3. The first-ever character balloon was Felix the Cat.
Also in that inaugural group: a dragon, an elephant and a toy soldier. Although Felix has returned a few times since his early debut, the character who’s appeared the most is Snoopy, who has been in a total of 40 parades since 1968 and has had seven different designs.
Read a book where the main character is the first to do something or a book with a 4 or 0 in the page count.

4. Handlers would just let the balloons fly away after the parade ended.
With no plans to deflate the balloons at the finish of the parade, handlers from 1927 to 1932 released them into the air. In the first year of their airborne release, however, the balloons quickly popped after floating high enough. They were redesigned to withstand higher altitudes the following year.

Once redesigned, the balloons were printed with a return address, and the race to discover the roving balloons was on. From 1928 to 1932, if you found a balloon and returned it to Macy’s, you’d receive a $100 reward.
Read a book where a character returns something to the main character or a book where a character receives or gives a reward.

5. The person in charge of each balloon is called a balloon pilot.
The balloon pilot’s job is to walk in front of the balloon and direct the rest of the handlers on how to navigate the route. To become a pilot, a candidate for the job must be able to walk the entire 2.5-mile route backward, without stumbling. Macy’s offers balloon pilot training three times a year to prepare for the big day.

Up to 90 people are needed to anchor and navigate each balloon, and they do so by grasping onto long ropes affixed to the bottom and sides. These ropes are called “bones,” and they require a specific way of handling so they remain taut throughout the parade.
Read a book with a pilot in the story or a book with something backwards on the cover.

6. The parade was halted during WWII.
Rubber and helium shortages during WWII had Macy’s canceling the parade from 1942 to 1944. The company deflated its rubber balloons—which weighed 650 pounds—and donated them to the government. (Today, the balloons are made of polyurethane fabric.) The parade returned in 1945, and in 1946 got a new route, which started at 77th Street and Central Park West and ended at 34th Street—half the length of the previous route.
Read a book with a shortage (your interpretation) in the story or a book where directions are given.

7. The parade was broadcast on the radio.
You had to use your imagination when the first broadcasts of the parade took place in 1932; they were on the radio. The parade was first televised in 1946 in New York (it also had a record crowd of 2 million people), followed by national coverage on NBC in 1947.
Read a book with the word radio or television in the text or a book with a character who is a reporter.

8. The parade's cameo in Miracle on 34th Street.
Parts of the classic film was shot during the 1946 parade. The crowd had no idea the Santa Claus that year was played by Edmund Gwenn from the film.

Santa Claus has closed the parade every year since its inception, with the exception of 1933, when he was at the start of it.
Read a book with Santa Claus in the story or a book where the main character speaks the last line in the book.

9. There was a helium shortage in 1958.
In 1958, there was a strong possibility the parade wouldn't have any balloons. Fortunately, the parade’s organizers came up with an idea to fill the balloons with regular air, then hang them from large cranes that slowly toted them along the route.

Today, Macy’s is the #2 consumer of helium in the world. Large balloons take about 12,000 cubic feet of helium to become fully inflated, meaning Macy’s needs a huge reserve for its stable each year—the second-largest reserve, in fact, after only the U.S. government.
Read the second book in a series or a book where a character is 2nd best at something or takes 2nd place.

10. It takes a long time to inflate the balloons.
Each large balloon takes approximately 90 minutes to inflate. It only takes 15 minutes to deflate (thanks to strategic deflation vents and the "lay-on-it-and-roll" method employed by the balloon handlers at the end of the parade).
Read a book where a character comes up with a creative solution to a problem or a book that took a long time to read.

11. The floats have to fold down small.
Since 1968, the floats have been designed by artists at Macy’s Parade Studio in New Jersey. The floats can be up to 40 feet tall and 28 feet wide—but they fold down into a 12-foot-by-8-foot box to make the journey through the Lincoln Tunnel.

The parade features float-based balloons called falloons—a combination of “float” and “balloon”—which were introduced sometime around 1990. There are also balloon vehicles called balloonicles (a combo of “balloon” and “vehicle”), which made their debut in 2004. Trycaloons—balloons on tricycles—hit the parade in 2011.
Read a book with a compound word in the title/series name or a book where something new (a product, an idea, etc.) is introduced.

"Easy As 1, 2, 3" Monthly Challenge

Duration: November 1, 2019 - November 30, 2019

0/3 books

1.
2.
3.

Stand Alone Monthly Challenge

Duration: November 1, 2019 - November 30, 2019

Level: Single: Read 3-4 books

0/4 books

1.
2.
3.
4.

Haunted Europe
Duration: October 1 to December 31, 2019

Investigation Level:
Ghost Apprentice: 4-6 tasks

3/6 Tasks

1. Poveglia, Italy
Poveglia is a small island near Venice that is probably the scariest island in Europe. It was once populated by refugees during the Ottoman conflicts and was the 18th-century quarantine site for those infected with the plague. The tales of hauntings come from its time as a mental hospital in the 1920s. According to legend, the doctor performed gruesome experiments on the patients. The doctor eventually killed himself by jumping from the bell’s tower, supposedly due to the spirits that wouldn't leave him alone. The bell was later removed but people from the surrounding islands claim to hear it echoing in the night.
👻 Read a book with a doctor in the story or a book where an experiment is performed.

2. Wolfsegg Castle, Germany
Wolfsegg Castle is a beautiful Bavarian Castle with reports of hauntings dating back to the 1500s. The owner of the castle killed his wife, Klara von Helfenstein, after finding out about her affair. Shortly afterward, he and his two sons died as well. Multiple visitors to the castle reported strange noises coming from the caves located next to the castle and some even claim to have seen a “white woman” walking around the hallways.
👻 Read a book where a character has an affair or a book where the main character hears a strange noise. - The Sister Queens - Sophie Perinot - 10/10/19

3. Ancient Ram Inn, England
A former pub in Wotton-under-Edge, England, the Ancient Ram Inn is one of the oldest bed & breakfasts in the western world. According to multiple sources, this structure was used as a pagan burial ground in the past. Several historical books also claim that devil worship and child sacrifice took place in the Ancient Ram Inn. The inn is supposedly haunted by more than 20 spirits, including a murdered little girl named Rosie, a high priest, and a real incubus.
👻 Read a book where someone is murdered or a book with a 2 and 0 in the page count. - Jackaby - William Ritter - 10/8/19

4. Hell Fire Club, Dublin, Ireland
The Hell Fire was built in 1725 on top of a Neolithic passage tomb by Dublin lords and noblemen as a gathering spot. The, now, burned-out and abandoned ruins of the club are located on the top of Montpellier Hill, overlooking the adjacent Massy Woods. There have been numerous stories about black masses, animal, and even human sacrifice rituals happening in the Hell Fire Club. Multiple witnesses claim to have seen a satanic-like creature with a human appearance and cloven feet. Another common “visitor” is the ghost of a young lady who is believed to have been burned inside a barrel and rolled down the hill.
👻 Read a book with a "satanic-like creature" or a book where the main character belongs to a club or exclusive group.

5. Čachtice Castle, Slovakia
The ruin of this mid-13th-century castle is on a hill on Hungary's western border and was once home to Countess Elizabeth Báthory—the world’s most prolific female serial killer. The Countess had a fear of growing old and sacrificed over 650 young peasant women between 1585-1610 with the delusion that the bloodshed would preserve her youth. Hence, her popular nicknames, The Blood Countess and Countess Dracula. Elizabeth was eventually arrested for these crimes and locked in a tower at Čachtice Castle, where she remained for the final years of her life. Many believe tormented souls haunt the area having sighted shadow figures and full-body apparitions of young girls crying. Bathory's ghost also haunts the castle. Disembodied voices are also heard in and around the castle.
👻 Read a book with a serial killer or a book where the main character has a nickname.

6. Tower of London, London, England
The Tower of London’s history of torture and execution spans 900 years. The most famous of its many ghosts is Anne Boleyn, the wife of King Henry VIII. She was beheaded in 1536, and her headless body has been seen walking the Tower’s corridors. Other famous apparitions include the White Lady who is often spotted standing in the window of the White Tower where she once stood to wave to her children and the ghosts of two young princes who were sent to the Tower after being deemed illegitimate by Parliament. It is believed the princes were murdered by order of their uncle, the Duke of Gloucester, and are said to be seen holding hands and looking afraid.
👻 Read a book where someone is imprisoned or a book with a predominately white cover.

7. Bran Castle, Bran, Romania
Perched high above the passage into the Carpathian Mountains, between Transylvania and Wallachia, the world knows Bran Castle as the fictitious home of Count Dracula, the vampire from Bram Stocker’s Dracula. While it’s unclear how much Stocker actually knew about the castle when writing the novel, it is still shrouded in mystery and draws thousands of visitors every year. The ghosts inside the castle’s walls are said to roam the halls and villagers report hearing wailing late at night. Legend also says that at least some of the town are strigoi, people whose souls leave their bodies at night to terrorize the village, further encouraging the town’s vampire folklore.
👻 Read a book that takes place in a village or a book with a vampire character.

8. Moosham Castle, Austria
The Moosham Castle (also known as the Witches Castle) witnessed some of the most gruesome witch trials in Austrian history. This 12th-century fortress hosted the prosecutions and executions of townspeople that were suspected of acts of witchcraft during the 18th century. Most of the accused victims were male and a large portion of those killed were 21 or younger. Schargen-Toni was responsible for holding many of the trials and sending the accused to the torture chamber of Moosham. It was believed that this merciless man was the devil incarnate. Today, many people claim to see Anton, the castle caretaker, wandering the castle and watching over the prisoners. Frequently, when the staff opens the museum, they find the guns in the hunting room hanging upside down, despite the castle being locked up overnight.
👻 Read a book with a trial in the story or a book with a witch in the story. - Echo of The Witch - Jen Wilde - 10/6/19

9. The Houska Castle, Czech Republic
This 13th-century Gothic fortress is located north of Prague and, according to folklore, serves no purpose other than to blockade the Gateway to Hell. It is said the castle was built over a bottomless hole in the ground, and the structure keeps demons at bay. More of a chapel than a fortress, the legend describes Houska Castle as having no residents, no kitchen, no water, and that it lacks the strategic placement of being near any trade routes or territorial borders. Paranormal activities were disturbing the region and the Bohemians thought they would solve their problems if they cover the hole, so they built the castle.

Hundreds of prisoners were forced to go into the pit to build the foundation for the castle. However, when they were taken out of the hole, they all looked like old men. Later on, the castle was the center of Nazi occult dabbling during WWII and multiple dead bodies of Nazi soldiers were found on the site. Witnesses reported several different forms of paranormal activity and some claim that the site contains remains of demonic beasts who escaped the pit.
👻 Read a book that takes place during WWII or a book tagged paranormal.

10. Predjama Castle, Slovenia
Predjama Castle was home to Erasmus the Knight who rebelled against the monarchy in the 1500s. During that time, he tortured and killed hundreds of people in different parts of the castle. Many prisoners were thrown down the 70-meter deep cave under the castle. The ones who survived the fall slowly died from their injuries or getting eaten by the rats. Erasmus also died in the castle and some people say he comes back to rule it once the sun goes down. Many people claim they can still hear the screams of agony of the tortured prisoners echoing in the forest. All of their remains still lie beneath the castle.
👻 Read a book whose title begins with a letter in Erasmus (excluding articles) or a book where someone is thrown and injured.

11. Leap Castle, Ireland
Notable for being Ireland's most haunted fortress, the 15th century Leap Castle was built on a druidic site atop powerful ley lines. During its long and bloody history, the castle has collected a colorful assortment of haunts, including It, a small, sheep-sized creature summoned in the early 1900s by a resident occultist. Other spirits include a murdered priest who was stabbed by his brother in a rivalry over clan leadership as he celebrated mass; a knife-wielding Red Lady who stalks the premises with the ghosts of two little girls. A shaft found in the course of recent renovations contained three cartloads of skeletons impaled upon spikes and one pocket watch. Visitors have experienced mists, sounds, and even a ghostly touch.
👻 Read a book with a predominately red cover or a book with "mysterious happenings" (your interpretation).

12. Castello Della Castelluccia, Rome, Italy
The Castello Della Castelluccia has offered respite since the mid-14th century. Built on the site of an ancient Roman Villa, it’s a romantic spot for the living. At the same time, it’s also home to a variety of eccentric spectators. Apparently unable to rest, the mad Emperor Nero wanders the path from his grave to the Castello Della Castelluccia. Ghostly horses streak through the premises, and if you’re interested in turning metal into gold, watch out for the shade of the alchemist who died in the tower by a lightning strike in the 1600s.
👻 Read a book with a character who "wanders" or a book with a ghost or apparition in the story.

Hidden Gems - October 2019

Duration: October 1-31, 2019

Objective: Find "hidden" objects to earn a "gem".

Level: Basic

2/2 tasks

❖ Banister
❖ Books
❖ Bust
❖ Cabinet
❖ Candle
❖ Clock
❖ Crystal Ball
❖ Dragon
❖ Duck
❖ Eight Ball
❖ Eyeball
❖ Feather
❖ Floor Lamp
❖ Fortune teller
❖ Gargoyle
❖ Goblet
❖ Handcuffs
❖ Owl
❖ Pentagram
❖ Poster
❖ Question Mark
❖ Raven
❖ Skull
❖ Stained Glass
❖ Stars

Tasks
Tasks may be used multiple times. Objects may be used multiple times.
1. Read a book with one of these objects on the cover (show cover).
Pentagram - Echo of The Witch - Jen Wilde - 10/6/19


2. Read a book with one of these words in the title or series name (plurals allowed).

3. Read a book with 2 of these objects mentioned in the text (state loc and passage).
Specials - Scott Westerfield - 10/30/19
Stars - the night overhead glittered with thousands of stars, beautifully clear - page 269
Clock - Tally imagined that she was a clock, lying there and quietly ticking - page 260

4. Read a book where the main character uses/interacts with one of these objects (state how).

October 2019 Monthly - Soul Cakes

Duration: October 1-31, 2019

Level: Level One: 2-5 tasks

5/5 tasks

TASKS
1. A soul cake is a small round cake traditionally made for All Hallows’ Eve (Halloween), All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day to commemorate the dead in the Christian tradition.
☩ Read a book with a scene taking place on Halloween, All Saints’ Day and/or All Souls’ Day or a book published in October.

2. The cakes are a cross between a scone and a biscuit, are easy to make, and were traditionally handed out to "soulers" (primarily children and the poor) who went from door to door during the days of Allhallowtide singing and saying prayers "for the souls of the givers and their friends".
☩ Read a book where tradition is important to the story or a book where a character sings or prays.

3. The cakes are filled with allspice, nutmeg, cinnamon, ginger or other sweet spices, raisins or currants and topped with the mark of a cross (signifying that they are alms) before baking.
☩ Read a book with a cross on the cover or a book you think has "spice" (tell us how).

4. The tradition of giving soul cakes began in Britain and Ireland during the Middle Ages, although similar practices for the souls of the dead were found as far south as Italy. This custom continues today in various places in the United Kingdom.
☩ Read a book that takes place in the United Kingdom or Italy or a book tagged historical. - The Sister Queens - Sophie Perinot - 10/10/19 - tagged as historical

5. In the Philippines, the practice of "souling" is called Pangangaluwa and is practiced on All Hallow's Eve among children in rural areas. The children drape themselves in white cloths to represent souls and visit houses where they sing in return for prayers and sweets.
☩ Read a book with at least a 50% white cover or a book whose author's first and last initials can be found in either Philippines or Pangangaluwa. - - Neil Gaiman, Terry Pratchett - 10/17/19 - 72.4 white according to Tineye

6. In Portugal, groups of children go souling on All Hallow's Day to collect Pão-por-Deus (bread for God's sake) from their neighbors.
☩ Read a book with a title beginning with P or a book with a character that has "soul" (your interpretation). - The Philosopher and the Druids: A Journey Among the Ancient Celts - Philip Freeman - 10/4/19 - title starts with P

7. In the UK, All Soul's Day is more of an observation of the ancient Celtic festival Samhain (the Feast of the Dead), a fast day where bonfires are lit at night to light the soul’s way to heaven.
☩ Read a book with the word Celtic, Samhain, festival or dead in the text (please post the sentence and page/loc#) or a book with fire on the cover. - The Neutronium Alchemist 2: Conflict - Peter F. Hamilton - 10/24/19 - page 344 - He landed flat on the dead marine and rolled forwards.

8. In the Catholic tradition, soul cakes are blessed by a priest before being distributed on the Eve of All Saints (Halloween); in exchange, the children promise to pray for the souls of the deceased relatives of the giver during the month of November, which is a month dedicated to praying for the Holy Souls in Purgatory.
☩ Read a book with a priest in the story or a book published in November. - Pretties - Scott Westerfeld - 10/15/19 - published November 1, 2005

9. In some countries, especially the United States and Ireland, the souling tradition is seen as the origin of trick-or-treating. Especially since adults and children went souling in disguise, wearing long black cloaks. Such masquerading in costume was either a tribute to saints or imitated spirits.
☩ Read a book with at least a 50% black cover or a book where the main character wears a costume or disguise.

10. Traditions associated with souling included soulers visiting houses with "hollowed-out turnip lanterns" with a candle inside. The candle represents a soul trapped in purgatory.
☩ Read a book with a pumpkin or jack o' lantern on the cover or in the story or a book with a character who feels like the have to make up for their sins or mistakes.

"Easy As 1, 2, 3" Monthly Challenge

Duration: October 1, 2019 - October 31, 2019

3/3 books

1. Jackaby (Jackaby #1) - William Ritter - 10/8/19
2. Pretties (Uglies #2) - Scott Westerfeld - 10/15/19
3. Specials (Uglies #3) - Scott Westerfield - 10/30/19

FINISHED

Stand Alone Monthly Challenge

Duration: September 1, 2019 - September 30, 2019

Level: Single: Read 3-4 books

4/4 books

1. Kindred - Octavia E. Butler - 9/2/19
2. The Silver Linings Playbook - Matthew Quick - 9/20/19
3. Shutter Island - Dennis Lehane - 9/30/19
4. Daughter of the Sea - Mira Zamin - 9/30/19

FINISHED

"Easy As 1, 2, 3" Monthly Challenge

Duration: September 1, 2019 - September 30, 2019

3/3 books

1. Urchin of the Riding Stars (The Mistmantle Chronicles #1) - M.I. McAllister - 9/6/19
2. Down Among the Sticks and Bones (Wayward Children #2) - Seanan McGuire - 9/17/19
3. Beneath the Sugar Sky (Wayward Children #3) - Seanan McGuire - 9/20/19

FINISHED!

September Monthly - Dorm Decor

Duration: September 1-30, 2019

You may use the tasks as many times as you wish.

Level One: 1-5 tasks

5/5 taks

Tasks:
Dorm Room
📘 Read a book whose title begins with a letter DORM or a New Adult book. - Down Among the Sticks and Bones - Seanan McGuire - 9/17/19

Bed
🛏️ Read a book with the letters BED (in any order) in the title OR with a bed on the cover (show cover).

Lamp
💡 Read a book where a character switches on a lamp OR with a lamp on the cover (show cover).

Computer
💻 Read a book where a character uses a laptop OR with an eight letter word in the title.

Desk
📒 Read a book where a character uses a desk OR by an author whose first or last name is four letters long. - Talismans - Lisa Lowell - 9/8/19

Clock
⏰ Read a book where the time is stated in the text (Give us a partial sentence and page/loc) OR with a timepiece on the cover (show cover).

Books
📚 Read a book with a word in the title that contains double "OO"s OR with a book on the cover (show cover).

Calculator
📓 Read a book where a character has a job that deals with numbers OR with a number of any kind in the title.

Posters
🖼️ Read a book whose cover would make a great poster OR whose location begins with a letter in POSTER.

School Supplies
✏️ Read a book with one of these items on the cover (show cover) OR with a 6 or 8 in the number of ratings.

Sock Monkey/Stuffed Animal
🧸 Read a book with an animal on the cover (show cover) OR with a two word title.

Dishes
☕ Read a book with a plural word in the title OR with a dish (of any kind) on the cover (show cover). - Kisses from Hell - Kristin Cast - 9/11/19

Microwave
🍳 Read a book where a character uses a microwave OR with a word in the title that contains a V. - Victory City: A History of New York and New Yorkers during World War II

Dirty Laundry
🧺 Read a book where a character does the laundry OR with a word in the title that ENDS with Y. - When Strangers Marry - Lisa Kleypas - 9/12/19

Window
🏫 Read a book with a window on the cover (show cover) OR with a word in the title that begins and ends with the same letter.

"Easy As 1, 2, 3" Monthly Challenge

Duration: September 1, 2019 - September 30, 2019

3/3 books

1. Urchin of the Riding Stars (The Mistmantle Chronicles #1) - M.I. McAllister - 9/6/19
2. Down Among the Sticks and Bones (Wayward Children #2) - Seanan McGuire - 9/17/19
3. Beneath the Sugar Sky (Wayward Children #3) - Seanan McGuire - 9/20/19

Stand Alone Monthly Challenge

Duration: September 1, 2019 - September 30, 2019

Level: Single: Read 3-4 books

4/4 books

1. Kindred - Octavia E. Butler - 9/2/19
2. The Silver Linings Playbook - Matthew Quick - 9/20/19
3. Shutter Island - Dennis Lehane - 9/30/19
4. Daughter of the Sea - Mira Zamin - 9/30/19

September Monthly - Dorm Decor

Duration: September 1-30, 2019

You may use the tasks as many times as you wish.

Level One: 1-5 tasks

5/5 taks

Tasks:
Dorm Room
📘 Read a book whose title begins with a letter DORM or a New Adult book. - Down Among the Sticks and Bones - Seanan McGuire - 9/17/19

Bed
🛏️ Read a book with the letters BED (in any order) in the title OR with a bed on the cover (show cover).

Lamp
💡 Read a book where a character switches on a lamp OR with a lamp on the cover (show cover).

Computer
💻 Read a book where a character uses a laptop OR with an eight letter word in the title.

Desk
📒 Read a book where a character uses a desk OR by an author whose first or last name is four letters long. - Talismans - Lisa Lowell - 9/8/19

Clock
⏰ Read a book where the time is stated in the text (Give us a partial sentence and page/loc) OR with a timepiece on the cover (show cover).

Books
📚 Read a book with a word in the title that contains double "OO"s OR with a book on the cover (show cover).

Calculator
📓 Read a book where a character has a job that deals with numbers OR with a number of any kind in the title.

Posters
🖼️ Read a book whose cover would make a great poster OR whose location begins with a letter in POSTER.

School Supplies
✏️ Read a book with one of these items on the cover (show cover) OR with a 6 or 8 in the number of ratings.

Sock Monkey/Stuffed Animal
🧸 Read a book with an animal on the cover (show cover) OR with a two word title.

Dishes
☕ Read a book with a plural word in the title OR with a dish (of any kind) on the cover (show cover). - Kisses from Hell - Kristin Cast - 9/11/19

Microwave
🍳 Read a book where a character uses a microwave OR with a word in the title that contains a V. - Victory City: A History of New York and New Yorkers during World War II

Dirty Laundry
🧺 Read a book where a character does the laundry OR with a word in the title that ENDS with Y. - When Strangers Marry - Lisa Kleypas - 9/12/19

Window
🏫 Read a book with a window on the cover (show cover) OR with a word in the title that begins and ends with the same letter.

FINISHED!

Clean It Out

Duration: August 1, 2019 - August 31, 2019

5/5 tasks

TASKS:
1. Read one book from your TBR OR from the pile you have at home. - Moby-Dick, or, the Whale - Herman Melville - 8/6/19

2. Read one book from a series you have started and not finished. - A Clash of Kings - George R.R. Martin - 8/31/19

3. Read one book that you bought but have not yet read. - Hillbilly Elegy: A Memoir of a Family and Culture in Crisis - J.D. Vance - 8/28/19

4. Read one book that will help with a difficult challenge. (Like an A-Z challenge that needs Q, U, & X) - Uglies - Scott Westerfeld - 8/18/19

5. Read one free book from your e-reader. (If you do not have an e-reader, read a book that has been on your TBR for more than a year). - Acne, Asthma, And Other Signs You Might Be Half Dragon - Rena Rocford - 8/20/19

fINISHED!

"Judge A Book By Its Cover" Monthly Challenge

Duration: August 1, 2019 - August 31, 2019

Level: Superficial: Read 3-4 books

4/4 books

1. Challenger Deep - Neal Shusterman - 8/9/19
2. Acne, Asthma, And Other Signs You Might Be Half Dragon - Rena Rocford - 8/20/19
3. The Mystery of Black Hollow Lane - Julia Nobel - 8/21/19
4. Hillbilly Elegy: A Memoir of a Family and Culture in Crisis - J.D. Vance - 8/28/19

FINISHED!

Stand Alone Monthly Challenge

Duration: August 1, 2019 - August 31, 2019

Level: Single: Read 3-4 books

4/4 books

1. The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian - Sherman Alexie - 8/4/19
2.Moby-Dick, or, the Whale - Herman Melville - 8/6/19
3. When We Were Orphans - Kazuo Ishiguro - 8/8/19
4. Challenger Deep - Neal Shusterman - 8/9/19

Fall Countdown

Duration: August 1, 2019 to January 31, 2020

7/15 books

TASKS:

1. Read 5 books whose titles begin with a letter in FALL or AUTUMN.
- The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian
- Moby-Dick, or, the Whale
- Uglies
- Acne, Asthma, And Other Signs You Might Be Half Dragon
- New Jersey
2. Read 4 books whose covers are various shades of red, yellow, purple, black, orange, pink, magenta, blue and brown. Post the covers.
1.
3. Read 3 books with Fall items on the cover. Post the covers.
4. Read 2 books from a LIST with FALL or AUTUMN in the name. Tell us the name of the list and what # the book is.
5. Read 1 book published in the Fall of 2018.
- Valley Forge

Crazy Doughnut Flavors - Part One

Duration: August 1, 2019 to October 31, 2019

8/10 doughnuts

Flavors:
1. Black Licorice
Dun-Well Doughnuts in Brooklyn, NY, offers homemade, 100% vegan doughnuts in creative flavors, though certainly not for everyone, the intense black licorice version is a particular standout. Licorice is a confection usually flavoured with the extract of the roots of the liquorice plant Glycyrrhiza glabra.
🍩 Read a book with a black cover OR set in New York OR with a title that begins with L. - Love and Louis XIV: The Women in the Life of the Sun King

2. Boss Hog
This Austin food truck offers massive, over-the-top sweet and savory doughnuts. The Boss Hog doughnut is pilled high with pulled pork and potato salad, and drizzled with honey BBQ sauce. Sold at: Gourdoughs in Austin, TX
🍩 Read a book where a character eats pulled pork or potato salad (please give us the sentence and page/location #) OR with the word BOSS in the title or series name (Tell us the series) OR set in Texas.

3. Captain, My Captain
The best of breakfast and dessert come together in this Voodoo Doughnut creation. This raised yeast doughnut is first covered in vanilla frosting, then topped with Captain Crunch cereal. Sold at: Voodoo Doughnut in Portland, OR
🍩 Read a book with a captain in the story (Tell us the captain's name) OR where cereal is eaten OR with CAPTAIN or MY in the title. - Moby-Dick, or, the Whale - Captain Ahab

4. Dead Elvis
Psycho Donuts in California veer far off the beaten doughnut path. Its cream-filled Dead Elvis version combines the King’s favorite sandwich items into one doughnut—bananas, bacon, peanut butter, and jelly.
🍩 Read a book with a character that is dead but still active in the story (be creative!) OR that fits into more than one genre OR with a MC whose name begins with E. - The Mystery of Black Hollow Lane - MC's name is Emmy

5. Foie Gras
Food Network star Justin Warner put his Bed-Stuy restaurant, Do or Dine, on the map with this foie gras- and jam-filled doughnut. Warner collaborated with Brooklyn-based Dough bakery to create the insanely rich, sugary masterpiece. Despite early protests from animal rights activists, Warner kept the foie doughnut on the menu.
🍩 Read a book with a character that loves animals OR with a foreign word in the title OR a book that can be called a "masterpiece".

6. Grilled Cheese - Barbara Blue
Many people may already be familiar with the Tom + Chee chain, which specializes in grilled cheese and tomato soup. For the rest of you, prepare yourselves. Apart from standard sandwiches, Tom + Chee offers nine types of grilled cheese doughnuts. The classic cheddar and glazed doughnut is always an excellent option, but for the more adventurous eaters, there’s always the blueberry compote, ham, and brie doughnut—the perfect combination of sweet and salty. This chain has been featured on many TV shows.
🍩 Read a book whose title begins with a letter in BARBARABLUE (disregard A, AN, and THE) OR with a couple that can be described as a "perfect combination" OR with a character that gets on TV - does not have to be an actor. - Uglies

7. Old Dirty Bastard
A massive raised yeast doughnut slathered with chocolate frosting, sprinkled with crushed Oreo’s, and drizzled with peanut butter. Sold at: Voodoo Doughnut in Portland, OR
🍩 Read a book with a character that can be described as a "Old Dirty Bastard" OR a title that begins with an O OR that is set in Oregon. - The Other Side

8. Orange Creamsicle
East coast chain Fractured Prune (started in 1976) plays homage to one of summer’s greatest treats, the creamsicle. The cake doughnut is coated in powdered sugar before being dunked in orange glaze.
🍩 Read a book where a character eats a popsicle or other frozen dessert (please give us the sentence and page/location #) OR a book set on the East Coast (can be any country) OR a book with a 1, 9, 7 or 6 in the page count. - Valley Forge

9. Poi
Kamehameha Bakery Inc. in Honolulu is known for its poi doughnut—a bright purple doughnut that gets its hue and starchy flavor from a mix of taro root and water.
🍩 Read a book with a purple cover OR with a character that is a leader or baker OR whose author's first and last initials are STARCH. - The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian - Sherman Alexie

10. Porkey's
Gourdough’s in Austin, TX, fittingly named Porkey’s doughnut is coated with cream cheese and an absurd amount of Canadian bacon, then studded with jalapeño jelly.
🍩 Read a book set in Canada or by a Canadian author OR a book that can be considered sweet and spicy OR with a title that begins with a J. - Jackaby - William Ritter - 10/8/19

Children's/YA

Duration: August 1, 2019 to October 31, 2019

Level: Level One: 3-11 books

11/11 books

1. The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian - Sherman Alexie - 8/4/19
2. Challenger Deep - Neal Shusterman - 8/9/19
3. Uglies - Scott Westerfeld - 8/18/19
4. Acne, Asthma, And Other Signs You Might Be Half Dragon - Rena Rocford 8/20/19
5. The Mystery of Black Hollow Lane - Julia Nobel - 8/21/19
6. Urchin of the Riding Stars - M.I. McAllister - 9/6/19
7. Kisses from Hell - Kristin Cast - 9/11/19
8. My Lady Jane - Cynthia Hand - 9/25/19
9. Jackaby - William Ritter - 10/8/19
10. Pretties - Scott Westerfeld - 10/15/19
11. Specials - Scott Westerfield - 10/30/19